ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
Cabinet Secretary chairs NCMC meeting on Deep Depression
In view of the deep depression emerging along the Southern coast of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the Cabinet Secretary, Shri Rajiv Gauba chaired the National Crisis Management Committee  meeting here today through video conferencing with the Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Advisor Lakshadweep and Secretaries of different ministries.
DG, IMD informed that winds of different speed during the deep depression are likely to affect the Southern coast of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Lakshadweep with heavy to very heavy rainfall between 2-4th December. He mentioned that as of now, it is likely to cause damage to crops and some essential services. There should be complete suspension of fishing activities up to 4th December, he added.
The Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Advisor, Lakshadweep briefed the NCMC about their preparedness and arrangements by District Disaster Management Committees in the concerned districts, warning to fishermen and deployment of rescue teams.
DG, NDRF informed the members that the necessary teams have been positioned in these areas and the remaining teams have been kept on stand-by across Tamil Nadu.
The Secretaries from the Ministries of Civil Aviation, Telecommunication, Power, Home, NDMA and the representative of Ministry of Defence also briefed the NCMC about their preparedness.
The Cabinet Secretary asked the State Governments and Central Ministries to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to ensure that damage is minimum and necessary preparations are made to restore essential services at the earliest.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Levying of Service Charges despite GST
Charging of Service Tax is not valid. The Government in April 2017 issued guidelines on fair trade practices related to charging of Service Charge from consumer by hotel/restaurants. As per these guidelines, Service Charge is optional and payment of it depends entirely upon the discretion of the consumers. An aggrieved consumer can approach a consumer forum of appropriate jurisdiction for redressal of his grievance related to charging of service charges by hotels and restaurants.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri C.R. Chaudhary in Lok Sabha today.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves proposal of AAI for surrendering encroached AAI’s land measuring 106.76 acres at Bhopal Airport – to Madhya Pradesh Government
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved proposal of Airports Authority of India  for surrendering encroached AAI’s land measuring 106.76 acres situated at Gandhi Nagar, Bhopal to the State Government of Madhya Pradesh . It is in lieu of 96.56 acres of land already handed over by the Government of M.P. The remaining 10.20 acres  of land will be handed over by the Government of M.P. to A.A.I.
Benefits:
In lieu of AAI’s 106.76 acres encroached land, the Government of M.P. has agreed to provide land measuring 96.56 acres approx. which is contiguous to the existing land of Bhopal Airport and can be utilized by AAI for aviation purposes. This will help in freeing up AAI’s land measuring 106.76 acres which is already being utilized by the State Government of M.P. for various purposes i.e. establishment of Government Offices, public amenities services, and for rehabilitation of migrated Sindhi families. In lieu of this land, as of now, the State Government has agreed to provide 96.56 acres of land, contiguous to Bhopal Airport, to AAI, for aviation purposes. Further, the land offered by State Government in lieu of this land can be judicially utilized by the AAI for aviation-related activities. Hence, the approval will benefit people at large.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Promotion of Green Fuel
Government of India has notified the National Policy on Biofuels 2018 which inter-alia envisages increase usage of biofuels in the energy and transportation sectors of the country. The policy aims to utilize, develop and promote domestic feedstock and its utilization for production of biofuels thereby increasingly substituting fossil fuels. National Policy on Biofuels 2018 envisages an indicative target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of bio-diesel in diesel by 2030. Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies  are also promoting cleaner fuels in the country and the steps taken in this regard include:-
- Addition of CNG facilities at retail outlets. As on 01.02.2020 Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies have installed CNG facilities at 1438 retail outlets in the country. As on 01.02.2020, a total of 1989 CNG Stations have been set up in the country.
- Setting up Compressed Bio Gas  facilities under the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation  initiative of the Govt. of India.
- Dispensing BS VI Grade fuel w.e.f. 1.4.2020.
- Setting up of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
Further, Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board  is the authority to grant authorization to the entities for the development of City Gas Distribution  network in Geographical Areas . Providing Piped Natural Gas Connection  and establishment of Compressed Natural Gas  Stations are the part of the development of CGD network and the same is carried out by the entities authorized by PNGRB.
Six  GAs for development of CGD networks in Kerala namely Ernakulam District GA, Kozhikode & Wayanad Districts GA, Malappuram District GA, Palakkad & Thrissur Districts GA, and Alapuzha, Kollam & Thiruvananthapuram Districts GA in Kerala and Kannur, Kasargod & Mahe Districts GA in Kerala & Puducherry have been authorised.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in the Lok Sabha today in a written reply.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia writes to Karnataka CM for strengthening aviation Infrastructure in state
Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, has written to Shri BasavarajSomappaBommai, Chief Minister of Karnataka, requesting his personal intervention in expediting the matters for strengthening of aviation infrastructure in the state. AAI has embarked upon development and expansion of airports in the country at a cost of Rs. 20,000 Crore in the next 4-5 years in order to meet the growing passenger demand in the country.
Shri Scindia has drawn attention of to Shri BasavarajSomappaBommai on following issues that are impacting the implementation of various projects pertaining to aviation sector in Karnataka:
- AAI has projected land requirement of 370 acres at Belagavi airport, out of which only 348.6 acres have been handed over.
- Similarly, AAI has requisitioned for allocation of 240 acres at Mysore Airport. However, the said land is yet to be handed over by the State Government.
- The Govt. of Karnataka may take necessary steps to operationalize Shivamoga and Vijayapura airports so that the bids received under RCS-UDAN 4.1 can be considered for award. Further, the State Govt. needs to communicate its consent for 100% VGF support for the routes to be awarded from these two airports as these are part of State Regional Connectivity Scheme .
- An amount of Rs. 7.55 Crores is outstanding on part of the State Government as VGF share for Regional Air Connectivity Fund Trust .
RKJ/M
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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Republic Day LIVE with Doordarshan
As India celebrates Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav marking 75 years of India’s Independence, Doordarshan’s coverage of Republic day this year is not just mega in scale but also unique in features as special arrangements have been made in association with Indian Air Force to showcase new elements of fly-past along with live coverage of different formations of large fleet of planes which are 75 in number to commemorate 75 years of India's Independence.
The figures of 59 Cameras and 160+ personnel deployed for the coverage of Republic day celebrations this year don’t even begin to scratch the surface of the colossal arrangements made by Doordarshan on the entire stretch from Rashtrapati Bhawan to National War memorial at India Gate through Rajpath.
Preparations began as early as from November 2021 to ensure 360 degree impeccable coverage of all aspects of every event on Republic Day. DD has deployed 59 cameras all along Rajpath, right from Rashtrapati Bhawan dome to National Stadium dome. 33 cameras are installed at Rajpath, 16 cameras at National War Memorial, India Gate, National Stadium and 10 cameras at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
To give people bird’s eye view of entire celebrations, two 360 degree cameras have been installed, one at Rajpath and the other on the top of India Gate. Visuals from both 360 degree cameras will be continuously live-streamed through two separate streams on DD National YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWWpb9ZDUII&list=PLUiMfS6qzIMx0yBaj1nzjLevzheuTOcc_&index=3
To capture every minute movement of marching contingents and fly-past, DD has deployed 5 Jimmy Jibs, combination of 100X and 86XTally lenses, more than 15 wide angle lenses, Abacus lens, etc. One camera is installed on a 120 feet Hydraulic Crane in between National War Memorial and India Gate to provide breath-taking shots of the decorated Rajpath. Special remotely controlled PTZ cameras have been installed in Presidential Enclosure and on Rajpath.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EsU3zKZ7u4&list=PLUiMfS6qzIMx0yBaj1nzjLevzheuTOcc_&index=2
In what makes it an integrated coverage, all major spots have been connected through dark fibre optical connectivity, Satellite connectivity and Backpack connectivity. To ensure impactful coverage from the ground, DD has built a makeshift Production Control Room at Rajpath.
The High Definition visuals will be made more engaging through animated graphics and renowned commentators, who will be elaborating upon every detail as the event unfolds. To ensure inclusive coverage, DD News will broadcast the commentary also through sign language interpretation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdPTWNlmbMA&list=PLUiMfS6qzIMx0yBaj1nzjLevzheuTOcc_&index=4
Republic Day live coverage will be broadcast on all channels of Doordarshan across the country, starting from 9:15 AM on January 26 till the end of events at Rajpath. Live coverage will also be available on DD National, DD News YouTube channels and on NewsOnAir App and Website.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUiMfS6qzIMx0yBaj1nzjLevzheuTOcc_
Saurabh Singh
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Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways is fully committed to lift all domestic Coal
Coal Companies & Indian Railways have envisaged to jointly ensure per day coal loading of 415 rakes of domestic coal and 30 rakes of imported coal to power sector
Various operational efficiency measures have been taken to expedite evacuation of coal rakes.
The coal loading for power houses is constantly being ramped up by Indian Railways as per the demand and Indian Railways is fully committed to lift all the domestic coal that is brought to Sidings/ good sheds by the coal companies and Imported coal brought to port by the Power generating companies.
In May-22, the availability of rakes for Power sector had an upsurge with an average of 472 rakes per day. Both Coal Companies & railways have envisaged to jointly ensure per day coal loading of 415 rakes of domestic coal and 30 rakes of imported coal to power sector. In the current month, loading of domestic coal for power house has been average of 409 rakes per day.
There has been an issue of frequent strike in coal bearing areas of Odisha which has impacted coal evacuation especially in Talcher area. However, railways have kept 60 surplus empty rakes at pan-India level to maximise coal loading for power sector.
Various operational efficiency measures have been taken to expedite evacuation of coal rakes.
Coaching trains have been cancelled across India to allow faster movement of coal rakes & easing out congested sections.
Importance of seamless & timely movement of coal rakes to various power plants has been emphasized. Detention of coal rakes for each activity at loading/Unloading points and en-route movement are being monitored by divisional team at field level.
Running of Long hauls and convoy rakes in congested routes have been augmented. Additional 100 rakes will be mobilized for coal loading in current financial year which would further improve the rake availability for power sector. Further, to cater to future demand for coal IR has already started the procurement of more than 1, 00,000 wagons which will further improve wagon availability.
Ministry of Finance
Finance Minister Releases Commemorative Coin on Paramahansa Yogananda to Mark his 125th Birth Anniversary
The Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman released a special commemorative coin on Paramahansa Yogananda to mark his 125th birth anniversary here today .
Speaking on the occasion, the Finance Minister said this moment is big honour for her. She said that the Paramahansa Yogananda was great son of India, who became so recognised globally. His penetrating sharp eyes are full of divine force, she said. The importance lies in his universal message of bringing harmony among mankind and making it so acceptable globally even when communications modes were limited, She added. India feels very strongly about this great son of the Universe who brought in harmony to all our hearts & minds, the Finance Minister further added.
On the occasion, Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs Shri Anurag Thakur , Secretary Ministry of Culture Shri Arun Goel, Swami Vishwananda Giri , Swami Smaranananda Giri and other monks & devotees were also present .
Ministry of Education
Steps taken by the Government to use artificial intelligence for education transformation
The National Education Policy  2020 has recommended introducing contemporary subjects like Artificial Intelligence in curriculum, at relevant stages. The National Council of Educational Research & Training  has initiated the process for preparation of a new National Curriculum Framework for School Education in pursuance of the NEP, 2020 during which the possibility of introducing an introductory course on Artificial Intelligence  at secondary level would also be explored. Meanwhile, the Central Board of Secondary Education  has introduced Artificial Intelligence as a subject in class IX from session 2019-2020 and in Class-XI from session 2020-2021 in their affiliated schools.
Artificial Intelligence has already been applied to education primarily in some tools that help develop skills and testing systems. Artificial Intelligence can drive efficiency, personalization and streamline administrative tasks to allow teachers the time and freedom to provide understanding and adaptability. By leveraging the best attributes of machines and teachers, the vision for Artificial Intelligence is one where they work together for the best outcome for students.
All AICTE approved institutions have been suggested to offer Artificial Intelligence as an elective in B.Tech. courses and also start B.Tech course in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science to augment the human resource in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. So far as the Indian Institutes of Technology  are concerned, their Acts and Statutes allow them to have their own curriculum, academic & research collaboration with Institutions and Universities across the world. Most of the IITs offer various Artificial Intelligence related courses such as Deep Learning Foundations & Applications, Foundation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Probabilistic Reasoning in Artificial Intelligence, Predictive & Prescriptive Data Analytics, Deep Learning, System Identification, Cyber Physical Security, Digital Image Processing, etc. Besides, IITs also organize short term programmes,inter-alia, on Artificial Intelligence for the working professional and interested students.
The information was given by the Union Minister for Education, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ in a written reply in the LokSabha today.
President's Secretariat
Envoys of Four Nations present credentials to President of India through video conference
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, accepted credentials from Ambassador and High Commissioner from Hungary, Maldives, Chad and Tajikistan today  in a virtual ceremony. Those who presented their credentials were:
1. H.E. Mr. Andras Laszlo Kiraly, Ambassador of Hungary
2. H.E. Dr. Hussain Niyaaz, High Commissioner of Maldives
3. H.E. Mr. Soungui Ahmed, Ambassador of Chad
4. H.E. Mr. Lukmon, Ambassador of Tajikistan
Speaking on the occasion, the President conveyed his good wishes to the envoys on their appointment. He noted that India enjoys warm and friendly relations with all the four countries and that our ties were deeply rooted in a common vision of peace and prosperity. He also thanked their Governments for supporting India’s candidature for the non-permanent seat of UN Security Council for the term 2021-22.
President Kovind remarked that the Covid-19 pandemic necessitates enhanced global cooperation to ensure collective health and economic well-being of humankind. He further expressed his optimism that the international community was very close to finding a solution to the pandemic and will emerge stronger and more resilient from the crisis.
Ministry of Communications
Government to provide mobile connectivity in 354 villages which are located in strategic and border areas- Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad
Satellite based DSPTs are also being provided at 1347 sites for Army, BRO, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB etc.
The DoT to also provide connectivity in uncovered villages of 68 Aspirational Districts
Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister of Electronics &IT, Communications and Law & Justice, said that Government of India has been taking measures on priority to provide connectivity in the far flung, difficult, border areas of strategic importance, so as to ensure better quality of life to the people as well as to those who are working in these areas.
Speaking to media today after the inauguration of a submarine Optical Fiber Cable of length of 2300 kms between Chennai and Andaman Nicobar at a cost of Rs.1,224 crores, by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Elaborating the various projects being implemented by Department of Telecommunications Shri Prasad spoke about various projects being implemented by the Department of Telecommunications to provide connectivity in remote and difficult areas Shri Prasad informed that a tender for 354 uncovered villages in the strategic, remote and border areas of the country has been finalised and is under implementation in 144 villages of the the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and remaining villages in the States of Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and other priority areas of Gujarat . These villages have been strategically choosen to cover border area connectivity on mobile. After commissioning of these villages, there will be no uncovered villages in UTs of J&K, Ladakh for mobile connectivity. Satellite based DSPTs  are also being provided at 1347 sites for Army, BRO, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB etc. Out of which 183 sites are already commissioned and remaining are in process.
The Union Minister further told that Department of Telecommunications is also working on providing mobile connectivity in villages of 24 Aspirationsal districts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and remaining 44 Aspirational Districts for 7287 uncovered villages in Chhatisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh will also be covered for which government approval is under submission.
Special Service and Features
PM KISAN SAMMAN NIDHI HELPING FARMERS IN TRYING TIMES
PRIME MINISTER’S SCHEME OF Annual aid of RS 6000 gets wider applause
Prime Minister NarendraModi launched the transfer of Rs 2000 each totalling Rs 19500 crore to over 9.75 crore farmers all over India under PM KisanSammanNidhi scheme on August 9, 2021. Central government has transferred more than 1.57 lakh crore in nine instalments under the scheme to eligible farmers. Prime Minister had inaugurated Pradhan MantriKisanSammanNidhi Scheme on 24 February 2019 to mitigate the sufferings of marginal farmers. Under the Pradhan MantriKisanSammanNidhi PM Kisan scheme eligible farmers will get a total of Rs 6000 each in three equal instalments of Rs 2000 directly into bank accounts.
Covid 19 pandemic lock down had shown the real value of our farmers who toiled hard to make India self reliant in food security. Prime Minister’s AtmaNirbhar vision was realised by farmers as we government was able to give free ration rice or wheat under PM GaribKalyanYojana. This was possible only because of the farmers who worked hard in the fields. Government realised that marginal and poor farmers are suffering because they never got any returns for their harvest. So Prime Minister ensured that Rs 6000 will be deposited in the accounts of farmers annually under PM KisanSammanNidhi scheme.
At first when PM Kisan Scheme was launched the beneficiaries were only small and marginal farmers' , with combined landholding upto 2 hectare. The Scheme was later on revised from June 1 2019 and extended to all farmer families irrespective of the size of their landholdings. Eligible farmers can register their names in www.pmkisan.gov.in website. Farmers can submit their details online. Once the Form is filled in and submitted successfully by the farmer, it is forwarded by an automated process to the State Nodal Officer  for verification. The SNO verifies the details filled in by the farmer and uploads the verified data on the PM-KISAN portal.
Farmers in Tiruchirapalli welcomed the PM KisanSammanNidhi and thanked Prime Minister NarendraModi for the scheme. SmtRenuka Devi farmer from Athani village in Manachanallur block of Tiruchirapalli thanked Prime Minister for giving cash assistance under PM KisanSammanNidhi. Shri Sudhakar, a farmer from Manachannalur, Tiruchirapalli also thanked government for giving Rs 6000 annually to farmers. Shri Muthukumar, a farmer from Athani village in Tiruchirapalli thanked Prime Minister for announcing next instalment of Rs 2000 under Pm KisanSammanNidhi scheme.
Many farm labourers in Mekkudi village in Manikandam block of Tiruchirapalli who don’t have farm land holding in their names urged government to expand the scheme to farm labourers also. Most of them work as MGNREGA workers and were thankful to government for implementing such a scheme for farmers.
Jai Kisan, Jai Jawan, Jai Vigyan is the real motto for Atmanirbhar India. The nation is thankful to toiling farmers who made the nation tide over the crisis of food security during covid pandemic time. Vocal for local is the slogan so that our local farmers should get enough remuneration for their crops.